Assessing the relationship between neural entrainment and altered states of consciousness induced by electronic music

Abstract

In electronic music events, the driving four-on-the-floor music appears pivotal for inducing altered states of consciousness (ASCs). While various physiological mechanisms link repetitive auditory stimuli to ASCs, entrainment--a brainwave synchronization through periodic external stimuli-- has garnered primary focus. However, there are no studies systematically exploring the relationship between entrainment and ASCs. In the present study, we depart from the finding that entrainment to auditory stimuli peaks for stimulation rates around 2 Hz compared to others. Twenty participants listened to six one-minute electronic music excerpts at different tempos (1.65 Hz, 2.25 Hz, and 2.85 Hz). For each excerpt, they performed cognitive tasks and reported phenomenological experiences related to ASCs through questionnaires. Brain activity was recorded with electroencephalography to assess whether a modulation in entrainment by the beat of electronic music affected objective and subjective proxies of ASCs. Our results revealed a tempo-driven entrainment modulation, peaking at 1.65 Hz. Similarly, participants experience of unity during listening to the music was higher for the excerpts at 1.65 Hz, yet no relationship with entrainment was found. Critically, a correlation was found between entrainment and participants reaction time. Further studies are granted to explore how individual traits, such as musical training, modulate the relationship.